Introduction to Ethics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary belief of an antinomian?

Ethics should be based solely on communal norms.

All actions are judged by universal codes.

Laws and social restrictions are despised. (correct)

Objective moral laws exist.

How do generalists approach moral laws?

They believe moral principles should be optional. (correct)

They see lying as an absolute wrong.

They think ethics should be based on strict obedience.

They believe all moral laws are universal.

In situation ethics, how are actions judged?

By rigid community norms.

By a set of universal moral standards.

According to personal ideals and context. (correct)

Based solely on historical precedents.

What does unqualified absolutism assert regarding moral laws?

All moral laws are absolute and non-negotiable. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of situationism in ethics?

The context can dictate the rightness or wrongness of actions. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of antinomian beliefs, how is lying perceived?

Lying can be seen as a personal choice without moral implication. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma does conflicting absolutism recognize?

Conflicts between laws can occur, necessitating choices. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the generalists' view on lying?

Lying is permissible when it serves a greater good. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ethics' primarily study?

The analysis of moral principles and choices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'relativism' in ethics?

It asserts that everyone is correct in their moral opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of 'absolutism' in ethical thought?

It believes in predetermined right and wrong. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a type of ethical system?

Situationalism Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'norm' in ethics refer to?

A guide to character and action Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'graded absolutism' suggest?

Some absolute principles take precedence over others. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines 'meta-ethics'?

It studies the nature and meaning of ethical statements. Signup and view all the answers

How is 'antinomianism' typically understood in ethical discussions?

As an absence of moral rules or applicable norms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Ethics

Ethics involves guidelines for right living, shaped from early childhood lessons.
Defined as the principle of right or good behavior, including the study of morals and individual choices.
The term "ethic" is rooted in the Greek word ethos, meaning habit or custom.
Ethics spans all cultures and religions, reflecting universal customs and practices.
Daily moral evaluations often revolve around the simple question: "Was that right or wrong?"

Origins of Ethics

Ethics entails philosophical and theological discussions about morality.
Morality focuses on right behavior involving virtuous character, honorable intentions, and right actions.
Value refers to moral qualities, such as loyalty, truthfulness, and justice, that guide behavior.

Key Ethical Definitions

Norm: Guidelines that shape character and actions.
Principles: Stable moral guidelines that inform rules.
Rules: Specific directives for conduct derived from principles.

Types of Ethics

Normative Ethics: Establishes standards for right conduct.
Meta-Ethics: Examines the nature of moral judgments.
Applied Ethics: Addresses real-world ethical issues.
Virtue Ethics: Centers on character and virtues instead of rules or consequences.

Two Broad Positions of Ethics

Relativism: Asserts there is no single standard for right or wrong; individual opinions are valid.
Absolutism: Claims a singular objective truth, often linked to divine authority; morals are predetermined and unbreakable.

Relativism vs. Absolutism

Relativistic Views: Includes Antinomianism, Generalism, and Situationism.
Absolutic Views: Includes Unqualified Absolutism, Conflicting Absolutism, and Graded Absolutism.

Antinomianism

Antinomians resist societal laws, either living outside society or minimally adhering to norms.
They deny the existence of objective moral laws and are individualistic in belief.
Emphasizes the idea that lying can hold no absolute moral status.

Generalism

Generalism promotes tolerance, suggesting moral rules are optional and contingent on circumstances.
It posits that lying can be permissible under certain conditions, like saving a life.
While rules may be valid, they argue against any universal moral laws.

Situationism

Situational ethics assesses actions contextually rather than through fixed moral standards.
This approach recognizes that right and wrong can vary based on the specific circumstances.
Lying may be permissible if the situation demands it, challenging absolute truth claims.

Unqualified Absolutism

All moral laws are absolute and conflict-free, rooted in the nature of God.
Lying is always wrong, with no exceptions allowed, as it undermines moral integrity.
Conflicts arise from misunderstanding the circumstances rather than genuine moral dilemmas.

Conflicting Absolutism

This perspective acknowledges the reality of moral laws being absolute yet recognizes potential conflicts.
It highlights the importance of making moral decisions when faced with conflicting absolutes.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of ethics and its importance in guiding moral choices. This quiz will cover various ethical systems and the principles of right behavior. Delve into the definitions and applications that shape our understanding of ethics.